Squealing hydraulics when cold

[mundamanu]

I have a one year old TC-40A with about 240 hours on it. When it is cold out (forty and below, especially below freezing), the hydraulics squeal like crazy when I first start the tractor and for about fifteen minutes after, even if I am using the loader to plow snow. The loader works really slowly during that time too. Whenever the loader is in operation, that is when the oil is circulating, the squealing goes away. The other day, even after about forty five minutes of using the loader to plow snow, I could still make out the squealing, although it was very faint at that point. It did the same thing last winter, but the squealing stopped sooner after starting the tractor last year than it has so far this year.

The squealing sounds like it is coming from the pump, or right around it.

Is this something that I need to have looked at? Or is it something that I just have to live with? What might be causing it?

I will be changing the hydraulic oil in about ten hour-meter hours.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[mundamanu]

I thought I had done an archive search on this a couple of weeks ago and didn't come up with anything, but apparently I was wrong. I just found a post or two on this that suggests that the system might be sucking air.

I'll fill the oil to the top of the dipstick full mark; I'll make the filter a little tighter with a filter wrench; and I'll check all of the hose connections to make sure they are sealed.

In the meantime, if anybody has any other ideas, let me know.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[jinmajm284]

You need a thinner oil in your hydraulic system or put a heater on your tank to warm the oil up. A #22 hydraulic oil should work.
PJ

 

[Ford850]

I'll let the experts confirm this, but I think you can use a thinner hydraulic fluid in your area that will operate better in the colder temps. The same goes for the filter, you can use a cold temp filter. Both can be used year round but handle the cold better. (as I understand it)

 

[MikePA]

When you change the hyd fluid, go with synthetic. It will substantially lower the noise when cold.

 

[jinman]

I thought I had done an archive search on this a couple of weeks ago and didn't come up with anything, but apparently I was wrong. I just found a post or two on this that suggests that the system might be sucking air.

I'll fill the oil to the top of the dipstick full mark; I'll make the filter a little tighter with a filter wrench; and I'll check all of the hose connections to make sure they are sealed.

In the meantime, if anybody has any other ideas, let me know.

Thanks,
Bob

Bob, it's more expensive, but you might try one of the synthetic hydraulic oils when you change the fluid. Lower viscosity could also have a good result since you don't have this problem when warm...or it is quite a bit less.

In addition to looking for air leaks, look for vibration and loose pipe clamps. A vibrating hydraulic line can sound just like a squeal at high frequency. As a matter of fact, since you use the FEL and the sound goes away, this sounds mighty suspicious like a cold oil flow restriction. With the tractor running, put pressure on individual hydraulic lines with your hand or a tool and see if the sound changes. You may at least be able to isolate where the sound is coming from by this technique.

While looking for air leaks, check the rubber boot on the suction line under the right side operator's platform. I'm not sure a gear tractor has that boot, but it probably does. If you think it might be leaking, rub some grease on it and see if the sound changes. The grease should be enough to temporarily seal a small pinhole leak.

 

[jinman]

When you change the hyd fluid, go with synthetic. It will substantially lower the noise when cold.

Ahh...you beat me to it you sly devil.

 

[farmacist]

As soon as you change your oil to a multi-viscosity hydrolic oil you will find the squeel is much better. Those of us in COLD climates get this squeel all winter until the oil warms up. I use the "sams club" ($25.00/5gal.) or any other MULTI-VISCOSITY hydrolic oil (generic) and it gets MUCH better after I replace the original Japanese oil. Good luck , Frank

 

[Diesel-ME]

I get that squeel too... but it goes away once it's warmed up. I'll definately switch to synthetic once it's time to change. Presumably it's not hurting anything to run the stock fluid in the cold....??..

~paul

 

[mundamanu]

Thank you for all of the replies. I am surprised that NH would use a hydraulic oil that causes squealing like that, especially in places with cold climates. I checked the oil level and it is up to the top; the connections are all good; the filter is tight. I have not yet checked the lines as closely as Jinman suggests.

I get that squeel too... but it goes away once it's warmed up. I'll definately switch to synthetic once it's time to change. Presumably it's not hurting anything to run the stock fluid in the cold....??..
~paul

I am also curious whether running the New Holland fluid in the cold is ok. I actually already purchased ten gallons of New Holland hydraulic oil, thinking it would be the best brand for my tractor. If I shouldn't be using it, I imagine my dealer will take it back if I explain the problem.

Thanks for the help.

Bob